The Irish Rule the 1956-57 Obies

February 13, 2008

A Colleen won the top award for actresses. A famous Irishman named James Joyce wrote the play that carried off no less than four Voice “Obies” — one for the show itself, three for members of its cast. Another Irishman named O’Casey, and still others named Shaw and Oscar Wilde, also figured in the prize-giving. The liquid refreshments, finally, were vodka — a subversive note — and Irish Coffee, which is coffee plus Irish whiskey. It should have been held on March 17. But it was held on Sunday afternoon last, in the Limelight, with 300 enthusiasts looking on, and now the 2nd Annual “Obies” are history.

Geraldine Page gave away the awards, beautifully gowned in linen and capped in straw, while WOR’s Jean Shepherd deftly handled the preliminaries and postscripts. The Post’s Frances Herridge was on hand, sharing the rostrum as one of this year’s judges. Judge Jose Quintero sent a cablegram of congratulations from Paris.

Another wire came from the Colleen — Colleen Dewhurst, year’s Best Actress, unable to break away from a summer-stock performance in New Hope. “My cup,” said her telegram, “runneth over. Believe me when I say, happy the girl the sun shines on today.”